Shaheen Joins Colleagues to Protect Integrity of Scientific Research, Demand OMB Director Vought Rescind Politicized Regulation

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined 11 of her Senate colleagues in submitting public comment to White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought to demand OMB rescind a proposed rule, broadly titled “ Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance ”, that could alter how nearly all federal agencies administer grants and financial agreements. The proposed change would give the White House more political control over these awards, which could enable corruption, undermine U.S. scientific investments and competitiveness and block funding for critical life-saving research and collaboration. The Senators wrote, in part: "The proposed changes solidify federal grant-making as an unprecedented partisan power-grab that eliminates transparency of how taxpayer dollars are spent. This rule would derail American innovation and competitiveness at the local and national levels, kill good-paying American jobs, drive up costs for families, and halt essential projects in local communities.” They continued: “Instead of supporting data-driven investments that pay dividends for the American people, this guidance facilitates partisan ideals and cronyism, leaving Americans in the dark.” The Senators concluded: “We share the goals of improved transparency, accountability, and oversight; clarification of regulatory structure; and reducing recipient burden–all in pursuit of continuing America’s global leadership in science and innovation. However, these regulations would act in opposition to these goals. They would undermine our country’s competitiveness, erode our scientific ecosystem, increase unwanted bureaucracy, enable corruption, and perpetuate uncertainty across our local communities. We strongly urge you to withdraw this proposed rule.” OMB has proposed sweeping changes to the rules governing how federal agencies award and administer grants and cooperative agreements. These are the primary mechanisms through which the country funds basic research, applied science and scientific workforce development. These agencies also fund a wide array of grants for local projects, including but not limited to, infrastructure, public health, resource conservation and rural development. The proposed rules formalize an August 7, 2025, Executive Order that directed OMB to expand political oversight over all federal awards. Shaheen was joined by U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Angus King (I-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). Nonpartisan, unbiased federal funding for research is critical to scientific advancement, technological growth and medical breakthroughs—ensuring the United States remains on the cutting-edge of innovation. Amid the Trump Administration’s efforts to politicize federal funding and undermine scientific integrity, Senator Shaheen has continued to fight back. In May, Shaheen helped lead the Scientific Integrity Act to protect scientific research from being politicized or unduly influenced by special interests. ###